Apartment safety tips

You’ve put time, effort and care toward transforming your apartment into a special place that’s uniquely yours. But preparing your apartment isn’t just about hanging up pictures and arranging your living room — you’ve got to take steps to ensure it’s as safe and secure as can be.

If you’re wondering how to protect your apartment from the unexpected, take a look at our list of apartment safety tips you can easily use in your space.

How to make an apartment more secure

Keeping your space secure can be done without spending a lot of money. Follow these home security tips for apartments to find peace of mind whether you’re at home or on the go.

Reinforce sliding doors

Sliding doors typically have latch locks that are weaker than normal door locks. If you have a balcony or patio at your apartment with a sliding door, not only should you always have it locked, but you might also consider using a rod along the tracks to strengthen security. Taking time to make sure these easy-to-force-open doors are secured properly may save you from a potential break-in.

Be smart about leaving windows open

It’s always nice to enjoy the fresh breeze from open windows but be extra mindful to lock them up if you’re leaving the apartment or going to bed — whether you’re on the first floor or above. As with your sliding door, find a rod that fits on the tracks of your windows and can help prevent them from being forced open.

Meet your neighbors

Knowing your neighbors comes in handy when you need a cup of sugar, but it’s a good safety measure to know who’s living in proximity to you. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions about crime and security in the neighborhood. And if you plan to be away for a while, ask a trustworthy neighbor to help keep an eye on your place.

Get creative with hiding spots

There is such a thing as being obvious when hiding your valuables in your apartment. Get clever and place things where people won’t think to look, including:

• Inside cereal boxes
• With your cleaning supplies
• Sealed in freezer baggies

But remember, keep track of where you’ve hidden your treasures!

Use a fire — proof safe to protect valuables and documents

A fire-proof safe can help keep valuables and important documents - like passports, insurance papers, social security cards and jewelry - safe from theft, fire and other disasters. This type of safe may need to be installed in your apartment by a professional, so be sure to clear it with your property manager before getting one.

Alternatively, consider getting a safe deposit box at your local bank for secure storage of small, valuable items and sensitive documents.

Close the curtains in your apartment

It’s always a good idea to close your curtains at night or when you’ll be away from home for a long period of time. Keeping window coverings closed is a simple, yet effective, way to protect your electronics and valuables by preventing people from sneaking a peak at your belongings. It also makes it more difficult for people to see that you aren’t home.

“Be home” even if you’re not

Sometimes your best safety strategy is creating an illusion. If you won’t be home, whether it’s for a day or several days, leave a lamp on, set timed lights and turn your TV on with the volume up to make intruders think you’re home and help ward off break-ins.

Look into smart home safety

Even as a renter in an apartment, you can enjoy the benefits of smart home technology. From internet-connected smart cameras to smart smoke detectors that send alerts to your phone, you’ll feel more safe and secure with some type of smart tech system in your apartment. The icing on the cake? You may be able to save on your renters insurance with our Safe, Secure, Smart Home discount! *

Explore opportunities to save and see how smart home technology for renters can help give you a sense of security at home or on the go.

Protecting your apartment from harm

Making your apartment more secure to prevent theft is important — as is making sure your home is protected from other forms of damage. Here are more ways you can keep your apartment safe.

Smoke alarms and fire prevention

Your landlord should ensure your smoke alarm is in working order, but to be extra cautious, mark your calendar to test your smoke alarms every so often. A smoke alarm should be replaced every ten years, so if yours looks outdated, talk to your landlord about getting a new one.

Learn more today about home fire safety and how to prevent fires in your apartment.

Flood damage

Apartment flooding is often caused by leaks in faulty pipes, damaged appliances and natural causes like hurricanes or intense rainstorms. To keep your belongings safe from water damage, consider storing them in high locations such as top shelves of closets or cabinets. Packing these items in waterproof storage boxes is a great option as well. And if you live somewhere prone to flooding, consider purchasing a flood insurance policy.

Power surges

A power surge can be caused by a lightning strike, but it’s far more likely for one to happen due to a short circuit, downed power line or sudden change in electricity use. Any electronics plugged into your apartment’s walls can be damaged if a power surge occurs, so be sure to pick up surge protectors and power strips with surge protection.

For greater peace of mind that the electronics in your apartment will be protected, consider adding equipment breakdown coverage to your renters insurance.

Protect your apartment with renters insurance

Want to know one of the best ways to protect your apartment? Renters insurance. Having renters insurance can help provide the protection you need and the peace of mind you deserve. It covers your apartment in several ways:

Personal property protection

Renters insurance helps cover the cost of replacing your belongings if they’re ruined from smoke damage, fire, theft or other covered events. You might think your landlord’s insurance covers your things under these circumstances, but they typically aren’t responsible for covering any expenses apart from damage to their building.

Liability protection

Another feature of renters coverage is liability insurance. Liability coverage protects you if you’re responsible for injuries to guests or damage to your rental. It could help you pay for property damage, first aid, medical and court costs if an accident happens in your rental. No matter what steps you take to make your apartment a safe place, there are exposures that put you at risk if you don’t have the appropriate liability amounts in place.

Protection while you’re on the go

Renters insurance helps cover your personal property when you’re out and about. This means whether you take a short walk to a convenience store, a drive across town or a flight to the other side of the country, your renters insurance acts as an invisible shield around you and your possessions. Find out more about renters insurance on the go.

By making these simple safety adjustments, you’ll be taking the right steps to keep your apartment secure. There’s a lot you can do to stay protected at the place you call home — begin by talking to your American Family Insurance agent about adding renters insurance.

And be sure to check out our renters and apartment resource hub for more great tips and advice on renters insurance and apartment living!

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.

* Policyholders may qualify for the Safe, Secure, Smart Home discount when installing and activating an eligible smart home device. Discounts and savings amounts and eligibility will vary. Some restrictions apply. Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the homeowners policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverage on a property policy.